Many families keep a gun in the home. But every year, guns are used to kill or injure thousands of Americans.
It is safest to stay away from guns. That means no guns at home and avoiding guns outside the home.
If your parents keep guns in the home, you can talk to them about the risks. Having a gun increases the risk of murder and suicide in that home.
If your family decides to keep a gun in the home:
If you see a gun at your home or a friend's home:
Some teens carry a gun for protection. But this actually makes it more likely that they will get hurt. Other teens carry a gun for attention. Some carry a gun because they are thinking of hurting others or themselves.
If someone tells you they have a gun or shows you a gun:
Your school counselor, principal, teacher, or coach should know how to handle the situation without using your name. If you are still worried that someone will find out, call 911 and ask them to keep your identity confidential.
Remember, you may save a life by reporting that someone is carrying a gun.
If you are allowed to use a gun for recreation such as hunting, follow these rules:
Gun safety is especially important for people who have gone through (or are going through) depression. Depression can make someone more likely to think about or commit suicide.
All guns should be removed from the home if you or someone in the family:
If the guns aren't removed, it's even more important to keep them unloaded and locked up. Bullets should be stored separately and the keys hidden.
If you feel depressed, treatment can help things get better. To find help for depression, talk to a parent, coach, relative, school counselor, religious leader, or teacher about where to start.
If you have been thinking about suicide, get help right away. These are strong feelings that make it hard to see that there are other choices. To get help now:
or
or
Guns are dangerous. Having a gun at home or being around guns can put you at risk for being hurt or killed by a gun.
To keep yourself safe:
Remember: The best way to prevent gun injuries is to never keep guns at home and avoid homes that do keep guns. If you do keep a gun at home, keep the gun unloaded and locked up with the bullets locked up and stored separately. Visit ProjectChildSafe.org for more information on gun safety.
Reviewed by: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD
Date Reviewed: Apr 18, 2021